MANILA – The search operations for the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) in Taal Lake, Batangas have been temporarily suspended due to poor weather conditions and volcanic unrest, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

“According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), all operations have been temporarily suspended due to the deterioration of prevailing weather conditions in the area. Primarily, there is significantly poor underwater visibility,” DOJ spokesperson Raphael Martinez said in a statement.

He added that all PCG units remain on standby and ready to resume operations once the weather improves.

The underwater search began on July 10, following the claims of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who alleged that over 100 bodies of missing sabungeros were dumped in Taal Lake.

So far, authorities have recovered more than 880 human skeletal fragments, including three sets of human remains consisting of 264 bones, the DOJ said. (PNA)